Butterfly metamorphosis

Photos by Libby L. Keeling A black swallowtail caterpillar prepares for “the running” Aug. 2 at Day’s Garden Center. It is one of four of the original eight caterpillars moved to a huge, 2-year-old parsley plant at the nursery so it would have more room to roam.

Seconds after emerging from its chrysalis Aug. 16, a black swallowtail butterfly climbs the stick where it molted into its pupal form. It lingered there for about an hour, while its wings readied for flight.

The first eight caterpillars rest after feasting on parsley on Aug. 1. At this point, their wrangler determined they needed more space and took four to complete their metamorphases at Day’s Garden Center.

Three newly emerged black swallowtail butterflies allow their wings to dry as blood flow strengthens them Aug. 25. The butterfly, considered common in Kentucky, drinks the nectar of a variety of flowers and is attracted by large splashes of color.

A BST caterpillar molts into a chrysalis Aug. 15.

A newly emerged BST butterfly tests its wings Aug. 19.

A black swallowtail caterpillar displays a blank countenance July 30 after molting. The loss of a face with each molting led the larvae’s caretaker to realize they have only rudimentary vision. Six simple eyes on either side of their heads, allowing them to see changes in light, are visible before a new “fake” face gradually appears.